Sweepy 2.0 question

CNC Machines Shapeoko
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Just got a Sweepy 2.0 and so far, it seems like it’s better than the SuckIt I was using before. I just have a quick question, though. It seems to like about 1/4" above the bottom of the bit - is that about where you Sweepy users set it? And do you raise or lower it for each bit change?

Just wondering what the best method with this is.

Thanks
Stan

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I shift mine up/down as necessary for a given cut/endmill.

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I set mine just slightly above the end of the end mill but I also keep in mind the depth of cut. Bending those bristles to far may cause other issues.

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That’s my rule too : I just adjust the Sweepy height to [total depth of cut] above stock surface, such that at the deepest part of the cut, the bristles will touch the stock surface just barely. This is overly conservative as the new bristles will flex nicely, but it’s a simple rule AND it allows me to keep an eye on what the endmill does during the very first moments of the cut.

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Isn’t that a flaw in the design of router-connected dust adapters? It is only fully effective when it’s in contact with the piece - which is either at only one height - or when the brushes are potentially crushing down on the workpiece.

This is why I like the SuckIt designs - only they are not stable enough. I wish Carbide made a “perfect-fit” chassis-mounted adapter - that was as sturdy and stable as the rest of the unit. Seems that they could craft the specific connectors right into the body of the unit to make that happen better than anyone else.

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The two kinds exist and I’ve used both

  • router-attached dust shoes like the Sweepy. They do have the drawback you mention, but they often have the advantage of not reducing the X travel. I would not say that they are only effective when in contact with the workpiece, they are slightly less effective, but remain plenty effective when raised by e.g. 1/4" from the stock. The one case where they are almost useless (I’ve been there) is when using a super long endmill to mill a super deep pocket…sure enough, when it’s one inch above the stock, it does not work well anymore.
  • Z-independent dust hoses like the SuckIt or PwnCNC. I have used a Suckit for a couple of years, then fabricated my own 3D-printed Z-independent dust shoes (more threads/posts from me in the forum on this that I’m willing to admit). I do like them better, but I acknowledge that both types have their pro’s and con’s.

The cost of each type is also different.

I like using the Sweepy with the Makita trim router for now, but I will likely build a new Z-independent dust shoe once I upgrade (again) to the C3D spindle.

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I move mine up or down as needed for the Bit or Depth of Cut.
Kind of wish it had a floating brush to ride at the stock top level. That would be cool.

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